A BORDERS stroke survivor has hiked up Ben Nevis and raised over £1800 for the Stroke Association in doing so.

Joanne Hyslop, 52, from Jedburgh, had a stroke in September 2020. And only two years later, she completed the challenge with her husband Paul.

Her stroke came completely out of the blue. She was healthy and active - never did she think she would have a stroke at such a young age.

At the time of her stroke, Joanne noticed one of her eyeballs drooping down one side of her face. She knew something was wrong, so she went straight to hospital.

In hospital, Joanne was diagnosed with a stroke. Thankfully she was able to walk and talk, but she had been left with a visual impairment which affected all the things we take for granted like getting around the house, cooking and going shopping.

Fortunately, Joanne’s vision problems improved over time, although she was left with post stroke fatigue and felt down at times.

Joanne said: “Having a stroke was a real wake up call. We tried to take something positive from the stroke, so we improved our lifestyle with healthy eating and more exercise. Last year we made the decision to climb Ben Nevis - Scotland’s highest mountain (1,345m.)

“It was a real thrill having a goal to reach for, and after stepping up our exercise in March this year I felt as prepared as I would be, to go for it.”

Madeline Donnelly, Relationship Fundraiser at the Stroke Association said: “To climb Ben Nevis is a huge achievement. To climb Ben Nevis after a stroke is extraordinary

“We’d like to offer our congratulations to both Joanne and Paul, and thank all those who have donated funds to the charity. The funds raised will be used to fund research, campaign for stroke improvements and to provide services and support for people affected by stroke.”